It is with profound grief the family of Jim Stewart of Quarryville, N.B. announces his passing at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, Miramichi, N.B. due to a courageous battle with an aggressive cancer at the age of 54.
Jim will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by his loving wife of 29 years, Karen Jardine; son Jordan (Charalee) of Miramichi, son Colby at home, daughter Mallory at home ; sisters Anna Taylor & family (Hughie) of Wheaton Settlement and Karen Stewart of Quarryville; brothers, Lloyd Stewart & family (Nancy) of Quarryville, Ron Stewart & family (Marisa) of Aurora, Ontario and Michael Stewart & family (Tanya) of Quarryville and the many relatives, friends and co-workers Jim so loved over his 54 years with us. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Stewart in 2017; his father, David Stewart in 2020. His father-in-law Harold Jardine in 2008 and mother-in-law Irene Jardine in 2019.
Jim was raised on Stewart’s Point in Quarryville, N.B. He was a brilliant student and was moved ahead twice in elementary school. He graduated from Miramichi Valley High in 1986. After working in retail at the K-Mart after high school, Jim was given the opportunity to become an employee of Repap Enterprises for many years however, when Repap suddenly closed in 2004, Jim had to look for a way to find new employment opportunities to support his beautiful family. 2004 was not an easy year with his employer closing. It was in this same year his mother Virginia became very ill and was in the Miramichi Regional Hospital for many months of treatment until she was released to the care of her family at home in the spring of 2005. Jim being the selfless person he was, would visit his mom daily either before or after work. It was at those many visits that he took a keen interest in the nursing profession. Jim decided to go back to school at the age 37 and obtained his LPN designation in 2007. It is then when his love of helping people became even more evident with the thousands of patients he supported over the years of his profession. It is also within the healthcare profession that he met so many people that he treasured not only as co-workers but as friends. Many friends and former patients have reached out saying how Jim impacted their lives in a positive way. He was so loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Nursing, by definition, is a selfless profession where giving and supporting the patient through their illness knows no end. As Florence Nightingale, one of the great nursing pioneers once said, “Nursing is the gentle art of giving.”
Jim was a true giver.
He was highly respected in the healthcare community for his intellect, integrity, efficiency, humour and his down to earth how can we get the job done and can I help you in any way approach.
His nursing accomplishments aside, in his heart Jim always considered himself a simple country boy and cherished the strong family ties, life lessons and character building it fostered. He always chose to live in the country and having a beautiful home with a view of the Miramichi River was his special place. Although Jim was fiercely independent and self-assured, he was so humble, kind and considerate, with a high degree of empathy, compassion and generosity for others. His hand was always out for those who cared to grasp it. He respected his intellect and always looked at life’s situations as an opportunity to learn or to help others. He was always ready for a spirited discussion on any topic but was never one to participate in gossip. Jim was a private person with a wonderful sense of humor; he liked nothing better than hearing or telling a good story followed by his hearty and infectious laugh. Finally, he was an honest man – he lived his life with integrity, according to his values and principles, and never wavered from them. For his family and friends, it was indeed a privilege to have Jim a part of their lives. A good man gone, much too soon.
Jim looked for an opportunity to truly make a difference in peoples lives. As Jim was a very devoted and caregiving son to his parents over their lifetime. He would do anything when requested by the many relatives over the years. He was known as a kind man with a heart of gold. Jim was a giver.
Jim truly touched the lives of all who knew him. He loved his family. He loved his job. And he so loved and was so proud of the beautiful home that he and Karen so lovingly built over the years. He loved his healthcare peer family and always wanted the best for all.
An incredible man with the kindest heart who always gave his family everything he could.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff who supported Jim throughout from the Miramichi Regional Hospital, the Oncology Department at Moncton City Hospital, Extra Mural Care and the Palliative Care team; who made sure Jim was comfortable during his final hours. Let alone the many co-workers who visited Jim at his home giving that extra sense of love and support.
The compassion, honesty, dignity, and excellent care shown to Jim and our family is much appreciated. We know many of you worked with or knew Jim for years and so respect each and everyone of you amazing people who kept Jim’s hope alive for the past year with your calls, messages and visits. We know how hard this has been for each of you as you are and will always be his and now our healthcare friends and our extended family.
Jim was one of a kind, and will never be replaced. He will forever be loved and missed.
There will be an open graveside service held on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 at 3PM, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Renous, Northumberland County, New Brunswick, Canada.
As a further tribute to Jim, the family invites healthcare colleagues attending to honour Jim at the service by wearing their healthcare uniforms.
In lieu of flowers, in support of his family, donations of any kind can be made via e-transfer to coljord@nb.sympatico.ca
Arrangements are in care of Davidson’s Funeral Home (622-7464) or online at www.davidsonsfh.com Your Family Owned – Family Operated Funeral Home
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Irving Stewart 2022..
Davidson’s Funeral Service Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick